DR. AMRITTEJ SINGH VIRK, DMD, FAHS

Description of ImageDr. Virk specializes in orofacial pain and TMJ disorders, primary headache disorders (such as migraine and tension-type headache), and dental sleep medicine.

He earned his dental degree with honors from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he also completed a certificate in interprofessional pain education through Penn Dental Medicine’s Selective Program. During dental school, he externed at the Massachusetts General Hospital Orofacial Pain Clinic in Boston, which deepened his interest in headache, facial pain, TMJ and sleep apnea management. After dental school, Dr. Virk chose to dedicate his career to orofacial pain and completed the two-year Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine residency at the UCLA School of Dentistry, serving as chief resident in his final year.

Dr. Virk is board certified by the American Board of Orofacial Pain and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) and a Fellow of the American Headache Society (FAHS), where he has served as Chair of the TMD, Cervical Spine and Orofacial Pain Special Section. He has presented scientific posters at national and international conferences and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas and visiting faculty at UCLA Orofacial Pain Clinic at the UCLA School of Dentistry College, Los Angles.

Dr. Virk’s primary focus is the diagnosis and management of orofacial pain and TMJ disorders, including musculoskeletal pain (TMD/TMJ and myofascial pain), atypical tooth pain, trigeminal nerve disorders, and neurovascular and neuropathic pain. He also treats primary headache disorders, including migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache and occipital neuralgia, as well as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. He is experienced in fabricating TMJ orthotics and oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, and in providing Botox injections for migraine and orofacial pain conditions, intra-articular injections, trigger point injections and nerve blocks.

As a board-certified orofacial pain specialist, Dr. Virk has the specialized training to look at the full picture, evaluating how the head, neck, jaw and TMJ may be contributing to your facial pain, headaches or sleep-related symptoms. He believes in a multidisciplinary approach and works closely with medical and dental colleagues to provide the best possible care. With his warm, positive demeanor, he takes the time needed to understand each patient and make decisions that improve their health and well-being.

When he’s not seeing patients, Dr. Virk enjoys time with his family, reading, and road trips exploring new places with his family.

Education:

  • Certificate in Orofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Medicine – UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA
  • D.M.D. with Honors in Community Oral Health – University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
  • Certificate of Completion in “Pain Science & Practice” – University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
  • Externship in Orofacial Pain – Massachusetts General Hospital Orofacial Pain Clinic, Boston, MA
  • BDS – Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Dental Sciences & Research, Punjab, India

Achievements & Professional Affiliations:

  • 2015–2016 Chief Resident – UCLA Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine Residency
  • 2018 Diplomate – American Board of Orofacial Pain
  • 2019 Fellow – American Academy of Orofacial Pain
  • 2022 Diplomate – American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • 2022–2026 Chair, Special Section – TMD, Cervical Spine and Orofacial Pain – American Headache Society
  • 2026 Fellow – American Headache Society
  • Active Member – American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP)
  • Active Member – American Headache Society (AHS)

Publications:

DR. ERKAN ONURLU BDS, DDS

Dr. Onurlu brings over 15 years of clinical expertise to our practice, with a strong foundation in dentistry from the prestigious Marmara University in Turkey. But what truly sets him apart is his genuine passion for helping patients overcome chronic pain in the head and neck region.

Driven by a desire to make a difference, he began his journey as a visiting scholar at New York University (NYU) center for Facial Pain & Head Pain, where he delved deep into the complexities of chronic orofacial pain management. Following this, he pursued advanced training at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), successfully completing the full time residency in Orofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Medicine program. Dr. Onurlu is board certified by the American Board of Orofacial Pain.

As a specialist, Dr. Onurlu believes in crafting personalized, effective solutions tailored to each patient’s unique pain concerns. His mission is to empower patients with knowledge and unwavering support as they break free from the grasp of chronic pain.

Beyond his professional life, Dr. Onurlu finds joy in playing electric guitar, Turkish traditional folk instrument “saz,” and engaging in friendly ping pong matches.

Achievements:

  • Diplomate – American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP)

DR. MANUSHI PATEL, BDS, DABOP

Dr. Manushi Patel is a board-certified Orofacial Pain specialist dedicated to the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), facial pain, neuropathic pain, and headache disorders. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain (DABOP).

Dr. Patel earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree in India and later completed advanced specialty training in Orofacial Pain at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Her hospital-based residency provided extensive experience in evaluating and managing complex pain conditions involving the jaw, face, mouth, and head.

As part of her advanced training, Dr. Patel also obtained an Advanced Certificate in Headache Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, including a clinical rotation at the Jefferson Headache Center. This experience further developed her interest in the connection between headache disorders and facial and jaw pain.

Dr. Patel has presented clinical and scholarly work at national meetings, including the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. She takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to care, with an emphasis on understanding the underlying contributors to pain, educating her patients, and developing individualized treatment plans.

Outside of the office, Dr. Patel enjoys painting, swimming, traveling, exploring new cafés and restaurants, and spending time with her family.

Education

  • Certificate in Orofacial Pain – Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
  • Advanced Certificate in Headache Medicine – Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) – Karnavati School of Dentistry, India

Achievements & Professional Affiliations

  • Diplomate – American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP)
  • Active Member – American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP)
  • Active Member – American Headache Society (AHS)

DR. STEVEN BENDER, DDS – Emeritus Provider

Dr. Bender is a nationally recognized expert in orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and sleep-related breathing disorders. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and Fellow of several professional academies, he has spent his career helping patients find lasting relief through compassionate, evidence-based care.

After many years of clinical practice, teaching, and leadership—most recently as Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Clinical Center for Facial Pain and Sleep Medicine at Texas A&M College of Dentistry — Dr. Bender now serves in an Emeritus role, honoring his lifelong dedication to patient care, education, and advancement in the field of orofacial pain. He is not currently seeing patients and is recognized for his lasting contributions to the practice and the profession. He continues to be actively involved in teaching and mentoring the next generation of orofacial pain specialists.

Achievements:

  • 2006 Fellow – International Academy of Oral Oncology
  • 2006 Fellow – American Academy of Orofacial Pain
  • 2011 Texas Dentist of the Year Nominee; Dallas Academy of General Dentistry
  • 2011 Fellow – American Headache Society
  • 2014 Fellow – American College of Dentists
  • 2015 American Headache Society Members Choice Award, Best Paper Published in Headache
  • 2018 Diplomate – American Board of Orofacial Pain
  • 2019 Faculty Member Induction: Omicron Kappa Upsilon
  • 2019 Dallas County Dental Society Faculty Award